Which area is considered to have high exposure to natural disasters?

The Gulf Coast is considered to have high exposure to natural disasters primarily due to its geographical location and environmental conditions. This region is susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms that develop in the Atlantic Ocean. The warm waters of the Gulf contribute to the intensity of these storms, making landfall and causing significant property damage, flooding, and erosion. Additionally, the Gulf Coast area is prone to flooding, particularly as sea levels rise and heavy rainfall events increase.

In contrast, mountain ranges may experience landslides or avalanches, but they are generally less prone to widespread catastrophic events like hurricanes. Desert regions face arid conditions that limit the occurrence of natural disasters such as flooding or severe storms, while plains areas can experience tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, but their overall disaster exposure isn't as high as that of the Gulf Coast. Thus, the Gulf Coast stands out as the region with the highest risk due to its vulnerability to multiple types of severe weather events.